A Woman's Life-Work — Labors and Experiences of Laura S. Haviland — John Shaqi
A Woman's Life-Work — Labors and Experiences of Laura S. HavilandHaviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith)
Religion
A Woman's Life-Work — Labors and Experiences of Laura S. Haviland
Haviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith)
Freed persons; Haviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith), 1808-1898; Underground Railroad
This may seem a small matter, but for me at that time it was a reason
for rejoicing at this unexpected turn of affairs. It was but one of
many similar cases, and none can more fully realize the blessing of
these reliefs than the widow of nearly two-score years, who never
previous to widowhood knew the burden of outside work in providing for
a large family, which was now added to continued care of the Raisin
Institute. Many night plans, for day execution, were made. I soon found
sale for forty acres of the one hundred and sixty, which relieved me of
the most pressing demands.
At times responsibilities were so great, and burdens so crushing, that
I was almost ready to falter. My greatest anxiety was to guide my dear
children aright. The four older ones had resolved to follow the dear
Redeemer, but the slippery paths of youth were theirs to walk in. The
consideration of these multiform cares at one time seemed of crushing
weight. I questioned whether the burden I had so often left at the foot
of the cross I had not taken up again, and whether I had as fully
consecrated self, with my dear children, to the Lord as he required. I
was endeavoring fully to yield _all_ into my Redeemer's hands for
safe-keeping. This was my constant prayer, yet this heavy burden during
a few days seemed unfitting me for the every-day duties devolving upon
me. In family devotion I opened to the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah,
where I found precious promises that I accepted for my own, and the
heavy burden for my children was uplifted. Never did I experience
greater liberty in prayer, or exercise a stronger faith. Surely the
silver lining to this cloud appears. "All thy children shall be taught
of the Lord" were precious words. I was afflicted and tossed with
tempest, but a sweet promise followed. All the way through that chapter
the Comforter appeared with rich promises. With these before me I could
freely leave all my burden with the Lord. I saw by the eye of faith all
my seven children made acquainted with their Creator in the days of
their youth. Although I never ceased asking, yet there has seemed an
accompanying assurance. When from ten to sixteen years of age, my seven
children yielded by living experience to the Savior's loving
invitation, "Come unto me," that hour and day was victorious through
faith. That weight of burden never again returned! The entire yielding
all into the care and keeping power of Him who doeth all things well,
at that hour was complete. I could say, "He leadeth me," without a
shadow of doubt.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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